Direct TGF-ß signaling via alk4/5/7 pathway is involved in gut bending in sea urchin embryos.
Haruka SuzukiShunsuke YaguchiPublished in: Developmental dynamics : an official publication of the American Association of Anatomists (2021)
We conclude that direct TGF-ß signaling to the endoderm via alk4/5/7 pathway regulates correct gut bending. However, TGF-ß-alk4/5/7 pathway is not related to mouth opening because the mouth is formed without TGF-ß signaling to the endoderm. This research contributes to understanding the mechanisms leading to the proper positioning of the end of the archenteron for forming a through-gut, which is commonly needed for bilaterians.